Power operated pipe pushing machine



May 3, 1960 l.. J. wlLwl-:RDING 2,935,298

POWER OPERATED PIPE PUSHING 'MACHINE Filed oct. 9, 1951 :s sheets-sheet1 f//A I Leo J M/werding N IN1/EN TOR.

ig BY May 3, 1960 L. J. wiLwERDlNG POWER OPERTED PIPE PUSHING MACHINE 3Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 9, 1957 May 3, 1960 L. J. wlLwERDlNG POWEROPERATED PIPE PUSHING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 9, 1957 vm.bm.

IN V EN TOR. w53.

nite States Patent POWER OPERATED PIPE PUSHlN G MACHINE Leo J.Wilwerding, Omaha, Nebr.

Application October 9, 1957, Serial No. 689,187

8 Claims. (Cl. 254-29) This invention comprises a novel and useful poweroperated pipe pushing machine and more particularly relates to animplement especially adapted for the propelling of pipes under groundand operated with various mechanical advantages.

The primary purpose of this machine is to provide a pushing and pullingimplement especially adapted for use in moving pipe under ground.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus inaccordance with the foregoing objects which may operate at variousmechanical advantages and speeds of operation as desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus inconformity with the preceding objects in which an improved engagement ofthe device with a pipe to be propelled is etfected without danger ofcrushing or rupturing the pipe.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus as setforth in the preceding objects which may be manually operated orselectively may be power operated and assisted by manual operationthereof.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

VFigure l is a side elevational View showing a first embodiment ofapparatus in accordance with this invention, in operative position vforpropelling a pipe under ground, and whereby the power operating means isdirectly applied to the pipe gripping slide for moving the latter by apulling action thereon;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the arrangement of Figure 1, the pipegripping jaws being omitted therefrom;

Figure 3 is a View similar to Figure 1 but on a reduced scale andshowing the power operating means applied directly to the pipe grippingslide for pushing the latter;

Figure 4 is a view taken in vertical longitudinal sec tionssubstantially upon the plane indicated by section line 4-4 of Figure 5and showing a modified manner in which the power operating means isconnected by a ratchet mechanism with a mechanical advantage to the pipemoving element, parts being broken away;

Figure 5 is a-horizontal sectional view taken substantially upon a planeindicated by the section line 5-5 of Figure4, parts being broken away;

Figure 6 is a view in end elevation from the left side of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a view in side elevation of the apparatus of Figure 4 butshowing the power operated means replaced by a manual operating means;

Figure 8 is a view in vertical longitudinal section through the poweroperating means;

Figure 9 is a view in side elevation of a modied movable upper pipeclamping jaw constituting the pipe engaging element of the device;

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially 2,935,293Patented May 3, V196() ice upon a plane indicated by section line 10--10of Fgure 9;

Figure 1l is a top plan view of the slide clamp;

Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the same, the modified,stationary lower pipe clamping jaw for use with the upper jaw of Figures9 and 10; and

Figure 13 is an end elevational view of the same.

Embodments of Figures 1-3 The pushing and pulling implement forming thesubject matter ofthe present invention in the form of Figures 1-3comprises a base designated generally by the numeral 10, a slide 12mounted for sliding movement thereon, together with a power operatingmechanism` for the slide of a character to be subsequently set forth.

The base 10 comprises a pair of tracks each designated by the numeral 14and preferably comprising angle iron or L-shaped members having each aat horizontal flange 16 together with a vertical side ange 1S. The tworails are secured in fixed position by being rigidly secured in anydesired manner to a plurality Vof underlying laterally or transverselyextending base plates 2%, these being suitably apertured to receivespikes 22 extending therethrough by which the base plates and the tracksare rigidly secured in position for operation as shown in Figure 1.

Secured to the side anges 18 of the tracks at the'opposite ends of thesame and upon the outside surfaces of the side flanges are a pair ofplates comprising braces 24 and to the outer sides of these at the endsof the rails are secured vertically disposed standards 26 having notches28 in their upper ends. The standards and braces may be welded to eachother and to the rails 14 in order toprovide a rigid, and reinforcedconstruction.

The standards 26 are provided with transverse bores above the lower endsof their notches 28 for the reception of retaining pins 30, see Figure1, for a purpose to be subsequently apparent.

The base structure is'completed by the rigid attachment to the outsideof the vertical anges 1S of a pair of straps 32 constituting supportbrackets as set forth hereinafter. To the inside surfaces of thevertical flanges 18 and adjacent their upper edges there are Xedlysecured as by welding or the like a pair of 'slide retainer bars 34, seeFigures 2, 5 and 6.

The slide 12 is the same for all embodiments of this invention, andconsists of a ilat plate-like base 4G, see in particular Figures 2, 4and 6, having a pair of longitudinally extending ribs 42 upon its bottomsurface which are slidably engaged upon the horizontal flanges of therails 14. This slide base is provided with opstanding longitudinallyextending side walls 44 which slidably engage the inside surfaces of thevertical anges 18 of the rails 14 and are retained thereon by theoverlying disposition of the slide retainer bars 34 as will be apparentfrom Figures 5 and 6.

Extending longitudinally of the slide and in parallel relation to butwithin the side walls 44 thereof is Ia pair of walls 46. Between theinner and outer walls the top surface of the base plate 40 is providedwith longitudinally extending-toothed surfaces or racks 4S by means ofwhich motion is imparted'- to the slide as set forth hereinafter. Risingfrom the inner walls adjacent the opposite ends thereof are upstandingbrackets or lugs, there being a relatively higher pair of brackets orlugs 50 at one end, and a relatively shorter pair of brackets or lugs 52at the other end. At their uppermost portions, the lugs S0 are providedwith apertures 54.

A pair of eccentric wedging or clamping dogs 56 and 58 comprisingmovable pipe clamping jaws, are journaled as by pivot pins 60 and 62respectively to the standards 50 and 52,' these dogs being provided withweighted handles 64 and v66 respectively.

Beneath the dogs 56 and 58, the base plate 40 of the slide is providedwith removable clamping blocks 68 and 70, comprising stationary pipeclamping jaws, which are secured in Ianydesired manner. As will bemorereadily apparent from Figures 4 and 6, the upper surface oftheclampingblocks has la semi-cylindrical recess adapted to ,conform to andreceive therein theexterior surface of a pipe 72 which is to be pushedor pulled by the implement. Referring now to Figure 6 it will be seenthat the dogs 56 and 58 have their bottom surface provided with rafurther semi-cylindrical jaw 74 Awhich likewise corresponds to thecontour of the pipe 72 as will be 4 l bar 164 of the ratchet lever 10Gbeing disposed between the side brackets land the Verticalflanges 18 ofthe tracks Vas will be readily apparent from Figure 5. Thus, the

U-shaped ratchet lever is mounted for oscillatory motion upon the basemember' of the device.

AV pair of ratchet arms 114, asshown in Figures 4,

, and 6, especially, is pivoted to each side. arm of the best apparentfrom Figure 6. Thus, whenfthe dogs are urged downwardly by theirweighted handle 64 Yand 66, their movable and fixed jaws 74 and 68,70.respectively willV grip therebetween the pipe 72 over substantiallythe Ventire circumference of the pipe and thus establish a securegripping action thereon without danger of crushing or ruptun'ng thepipe.

Y Operating means, actuated either Vbya source of power, manually orboth are provided for impartingsliding movement to the slide uponY itssupporting tracks and vthus to advance or retract the pipe 72 gripped inthe a uid pressure actuated cylinder 80 having a suitable piston Y 82.slidable therein, the latter being: provided with a piston. rod S4extending through a packing gland assembly 86 provided in one end wall83 of the cylin-Y Vder dii.' The other end ofthe cylinder is closed asby an end wall 9i) to which is secured a transversely disposed pivotalmounting pin 92 which is removably receivable in the'notches 28 of a setof standards 26 at may be secured as by a pivotpin 98 to the aperture'54 of the taller brackets or lugs 5G. As will now be apparent uponapplication of fluid pressure into the slide.' The power actuated`portionof the operating means, as shown best in Figures l4 and 8consists of U-shaped ratchet lever 100, -as by means `of bolts 116. A-ttheir outer ends, each ratchet arm is provided with a toothed extremity118 adapted to cooperate with the racks 48 as will be best apparent fromFigure ,4.

The arrangement is such that Yupon oscillation of the ratchet lever 100,the ratchet Iarms 114'will impart a step-by-step unidirectional travelto the nslide and move the same over the tracks `14. During this travel,it will be observed that the .previously mentioned slide retainerbars'34 will prevent any rupward movement of the slide relative to thetracks. Y

The power operating means is the same for both embodiments previouslydescribed. Referring now especiallyto Figure 4 it will be seen that anysuitable fluid under pressure, suppied by any suitable Vsource notshown,. by means ofV a conduit v120 is ,delivered by the manual controlvalve 122 to conduits 124 and 126 extending through the voppositeendwalls 88 and 90 of the cylinder dit to thereby selectively supply thefluid pressure to either side of the piston. Thus, the piston is urgedby duid pressure, as desired, ineither direction, the valve varrangementbeing such that when .fluid pressure is applied to one side of thepiston, to one of the conduits Y.124,the fluid pressure on the otherside of the piston is vented bythe conduit 166 and the valve 122 to theatmosphere. Y

As so -far described it wil-l be seen that the apparatus is operable ina variety of manners to obtain different speeds and mechanicaladvantages of operation, as foltothe standard 26 lat either end of theslide 12 for pullcylinder Si), the silde lwill be movedin one( directionor the other upon the rails or tracks 174, depending upon the directioninfwhich the piston and piston rod are moved. Thus', ya mechanicaladvantage by means of the Y power source is provided for eectingmovement lof the slide 12 and therefore for forcing the pipe '72 intothecarth or drawing it therefrom as desired. As seen by comparingFigures 1 and 3, by securing the. cylinder Si) to either standard 26 andby reversing the'slide'or the slide and the pipe 72 gripped by the jawsthereof may be either pushed or pulled.

Y Embodment of Figures 4-6 Where a relatively slower action but Vagreater mechanical advantage and power for driving the slide isrequired, a ratchet mechanism shown in Figures 4-6 may be operativeiyinterposed between the pistonrod 84 and the slide oreiiecting voperationof the latter.V This ratohetmechanism consists of a U-shaped ratchetlever 1%() consisting or bore 193 in which may be removably receivedt ahandle 11th-see, Figure 7, whereby force may be manually appiicd to theratchet lever 169 either alone'as suggested 'in Figure 7,y r-inconjunction with the poweractuated yoke )4.1 e el" ,Y

'At Jits lower end, the ratchet lever 160 is pivoted as `by pivotmembers 112 to the'r'side brackets 32, the inner landY engaging spacedportions of the pipe 72.

ing the slide as Vshown in Figuresv l `and,2 or for pushing it as shownin Figure 3. v

(2) T he power means Sti may be connected to the slide through theratchet mechanism as shown in Figures 4-6 in order t0 operate the slideat an even greatermechanical advantage. i "1 Y L i (V3) As shown inFigure 7, the ratchet mechanism of 'Figures 4 6 rn-ay be actuatedmanuallyby inserting `the handle 11,5Y inthe socket 106 of the ratchet`mechanism, (4)"he manual operation by Vthe handle 1,170` may .be

combined with the lattachment of the power means 80 Y to either theslide, as in Figures land 3 or to the ratchet mechanism asin Figures4-`6. Y Y Y Y Y Modified clamping mearzsvof Figures 9-13 a In all Vofthepreceding. embodiments the'pipe clamping means comprised -sets of spacedjaws carried by the slide However, where it Vis desired to grip apipewithout mari-ing its surface, as for example, various forms ofcoated, covered or Wrapped pipes, a modified jawV construction ispreferred.

For this purpose, the modifiedY clamping means of Figures 9-13 areprovided which may be applied tothe slide 12 in any ofthe preceding.arrangements, andthis form of clamping means provides va' movable upperclamping member 146 cooperating with aV lstationary lower clampingmember 142,'e'ach extending substantially the full length of the slide'12 and being interchangeable in said slide with the clampingY meanspreviously described'and illustrated in connection therewith;

As seen from Figures l1`13`,the.V lower clampingjmemberV 142'comprisesailat, plate-like base 144 upon which is carried a semi-cylindrical jaw146 having a lining V148 Vof any suitable soft or resilient materialwhich will not mar the iinish -of a pipe gripped therein.' Figures 11.nur

and 12 indicate lateral recesses 150 in the sides of the base 144 whichconstitute anchor means and receive therein the laterally inwardlyprojecting standards 50 and 52 and an intermediate laterally inwardlyprojecting rib 152 on the slide side walls 46, as shown in Figure 5,whereby to removably secure the lower clamping member to the slideagainst relative longitudinal movement.

The movable upper clamping member 140 comprises a plate-like member 154from which depends the inverted semi-cylindrical jaw 156, complementaryto the lower jaw 146, and likewise having a lining 158 similar to thelining 148. Rising from opposite sides of the member 154 are pairs ofrigid brackets or lugs 160 between which are journaled the plate-likeribs 162 of weighted levers 164 and 166, by the pivot pins 168. Thelevers 164, 166 have pivot apertures l170 therein which are adapted toreceive the pivot pins 60 and 62 of the slide 12. It will thus beapparent that when the clamping recess 56, 58, 64, 66, 68 and 70 areremoved,

the members 140 and 142 may be substituted therefor,

the former being secured to the slide and supported thereon by the pins60, 62 while the latter is retained by the anchor recess 150.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of4the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modications and equivalents maybe resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A pushing and pulling implement for pipes comprising a base, trackson said base, a slide mounted on said tracks for sliding movement, saidslide comprising a at base sliding upon said tracks, outer walls risingfrom the side edges of said iiat base, hold down means on said firstmentioned base retaining said slide on said tracks, said outer wallsslidably engaging said tracks and hold down means, a pair of inner wallson said flat base lying between said outer walls, clamping means forgrasping a pipe disposed between and pivotally mounted upon said innerwalls, racks on said slide, a ratchet lever mounted on said `firstmentioned base for oscillatory movement, ratchet arms pivoted to saidratchet lever and each engaging one of said racks, and means foractuating said ratchet lever.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said clamping means comprises aclamping block on said slide and a dog pivoted on said slide above saidblock, said block and dog having complementary semi-cylindrical surfacesfor substantially entirely embracing a pipe therebetween.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the surface on said dog iseccentric whereby to wedge against said pipe upon pivoting of said dog.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said actuating means includes aneck having in said lever a socket, a handle receivable in said socket.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said actuating means includes aneck in said lever, a fluid pressure actuated cylinder and pistoncarried `by said base, said piston having a piston rod connected to-said'neck.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein said neck has a socket, a handlereceivable in said socket.

7. The combination of claim l wherein said base includes side bracketssecured to the sides of said tracks, said lever being pivotcd to saidside brackets and being disposed between the latter and -said tracks.

8. The combination of claim 1 wherein said racks lie between said innerand outer walls.

References VCited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS968,002 Abbott et al. Aug. 23, 1910 1,698,498 Harding Jan. 8, 19292,612,343 Fraizer Sept. 30, 1952 2,685,430 Henke Aug. 3, 1954

